Saudi Arabia Marks Islamic New Year With Kiswa Ceremony

Saudi Arabia has completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa, the elaborate black cloth covering the Kaaba in Mecca, to mark the start of the Islamic New Year and the sacred month of Muharram beginning June 27, 2025. The ceremony, led by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa and involving 154 Saudi specialists, continues a longstanding tradition. Muharram holds deep significance for Muslims—Shia Muslims observe a period of mourning for Imam Hussain's martyrdom at Karbala, especially on Ashura, while Sunni Muslims emphasize fasting as an act of devotion. The month is a time for reflection, prayer, and charity, reinforcing core values within the Muslim community. Community initiatives such as Riyadh's Culture House library highlight Saudi Arabia's efforts to honor religious heritage and support local needs. The observance reflects both religious tradition and contemporary cultural development in the region.